Nonlinear behaviors of graphene platelets-reinforced metal foam interconnected composite shells under low-velocity impact

This paper analyzes the nonlinear low-velocity impact behavior of graphene platelet-reinforced metal foam (GPLRMF) interconnected composite shells. The Rayleigh-Ritz method obtains accurate modal functions, while the nonlinear equations of motion are established using Hamilton's principle. The time history analysis of the GPLRMF shell system is performed numerically using the Galerkin method in conjunction with the fourth-order Runge-Kutta technique. The Hertz contact force model is applied to evaluate the contact force acting on the shell and the impactor, capturing the system's nonlinear characteristics. The study also thoroughly discusses key factors affecting the low-velocity impact response, including the GPLRMF distribution pattern, foam distribution characteristics, foam coefficients, GPLRMF mass fraction, impactor radius, initial velocity, and damping coefficient. This work proposes a novel analysis for interconnected shells acted by the impact and may provide a reference for the dynamic design of interconnected composite shells in the aerospace industry.